Thursday, February 10, 2011

Mini Review: Elvis and the Memphis Mambo Murders by Peggy Webb

An okay read for a southern cozy. Normally I love these types of books but a

bassett hound who thinks he is Elvis reincarnated just made me suspend my disbelief too much. The story is told from two different viewpoints; mostly from Callie and then a few chapters from Elvis.

Callie, who along with her cousin Lovie, accompanys her Mama, Ruby Nell, to Memphis for a dance contest. The dead body count starts to escalate fast and furiously in the Peabody Hotel setting. After Mama insists someone tried to kill her, Callie and Lovie try to figure out who the murderer is. Elvis, of course, thinks they should listen to him. Apparently not only can he put on a show but he can help solve crimes. In what universe does this happen?

There were too many bodies too quickly with not enough real suspects and almost no motives. I felt like I didn't even get to know the characters and then they were dead. Maybe it's just me, but talking and rationalizing animals just doesn't do it for me. I guess it is a cute shtick and it works for some people.

On the plus side, it was a quick read with a few laughs along the way even with the stereotypical southern women characters. The Peabody Hotel setting and the ducks helped somewhat. 2.5**

Disclosure: A review copy of the book was provided by Kensington through the LibraryThing's early reviewer program.